Scott: Rangel sloppy not corrupt

The wave of paperwork released in the run up to U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel's House ethics charges included a massive, nuanced dissent against the strength of the reprimand from U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott.

Scott, a Newport News Democrat, wrote a 65-page dissent against the severity of the charges lobbed at the Harlem lawmaker in August. In it Scott, a non-practicing attorney, argues that Rangel made major mistakes but was primarily guilty of sloppiness not corruption.

"While representative Rangel engaged in serious and irresponsible conduct that violated House Rules and other applicable standards, none of his conduct was done intentionally to circumvent the ethical guidelines or to use his official position for personal financial gain," Scott wrote. "His violations of House rules were caused by his sloppy and careless record-keeping, but were not corrupt."

The lengthy document was made public this week by the House Ethics Committee as legislators weighed the case against the 80-year-old lawmaker. Rangel was accused of 13 ethical violations stemming from personal finances and fundraising efforts.

The charges said that Rangel used a rent-controlled apartment as a campaign office, dodged taxes on a vacation villa in the Dominican Republic and inappropriately attempted to raise money for a New York college in his district.

The charges now move to the full House Ethics committee, which has the power to expel Rangel, who just won his 21st term in Washington in November. Experts suggest Rangel is likely to face only a letter of reprimand or a formal censure, Scott favored a "letter or reproval" a lesser punishment.

Scott's defense

For more information on Rangel's conviction and to read Scott's entire 65-page dissent go to http://www.shadplank.com.